JPH09202091A - Ink replenisher and felt pen - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To ensure the smooth flowout of an ink and thereby, prevent a character from becoming blurred by providing an ink replenisher with an inserting aperture through which a nozzle is inserted into the ink stored in an ink container and which is kept airtight when the nozzle is not inserted and has a mechanism for discharging the ink through the nozzle. SOLUTION: A lid 12 is opened, and a pen 1 is inserted into a pen insertion par with a sealed part positioned downward, if an ink does not come out smoothly. The pen insertion part acts as a guide for the pen 1, and if the pen 1 is inserted along the guide, a nozzle 4 penetrates the sealed part. In addition, the pen 1 is inserted as far as it hits the end, so that the tip of the nozzle 4 reaches an ink absorber in the pen 1. Next, the operating lever 8 of a pump 6 is pushed down as far as it can go and consequently, the ink is discharged to the ink absorber in the pen 1 passing through the nozzle. 4. If the discharge of the ink is not smooth, the pen 1 has only to be inserted into and pulled out of an ink replenisher 10. Thus the ink is easily replenished and the ink comes out smoothly.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a marking pen for marking a white board, an electronic blackboard, paper, cardboard, metal, plastic, etc. and an ink replenishing tool therefor.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art White boards that are widely used in conference rooms, etc.
An electronic blackboard or the like (hereinafter collectively referred to as a board) generally includes a white board and a marking pen for writing characters on the white board. In the case of an electronic blackboard, a copy device for copying characters is further added. A marking pen for writing characters on a board (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as a pen) is a container for accommodating an ink absorber of a felt-like body or a fiber bundle-like body that has absorbed ink, and the tip of this container. A nib and a cap in the form of a fiber bundle. Since the ink absorber and the pen tip are in contact with each other, the ink contained in the ink absorber can be transmitted to the pen tip to write characters on the board. When not in use, a cap is attached to prevent evaporation of ink.

When writing characters with a pen, the ink is consumed by adhering to the board, and at the same time, the solvent in the ink (usually alcoholic) evaporates from the tip of the pen, which reduces the ink in the pen. It is a frequent experience that when you try to write with a pen in the pen area on the board, you will run out of ink and the letters will fade. It is often very frustrating when I try to write by replacing it with another pen, and the ink does not come out well again. In a board that is frequently used, the ink will be quickly consumed, and a large number of pens that have run out of ink will be discarded, which is not preferable from an environmental point of view. Furthermore, if the characters were faint, the characters in the copy could not be read.

Recently, some companies sell marking pens of a type in which the ink is stored in a space inside the pen and a small amount of the ink is led to the pen tip by a knock mechanism, instead of the method of absorbing the ink by an absorber. ing. Although this type of pen has about three times the life of the ink absorption type pen, it still produces a large amount of waste.

The board pen has been described above as an example. In addition to this, a magic ink using a ketone solvent, a water-based marking pen, a felt-tip pen, etc. can be used for paper, cardboard, metal, plastic, etc. The same applies to marking. In the present invention, all these pens are simply referred to as pens.

[0006]

As described above, the conventional marking pens have a problem that ink consumption is fast, and when a pen with a small amount of ink is used, characters are faint and copy quality is poor. In addition, there is a problem that it is unfavorable to the environment because the pen that has run out of ink is frequently discarded. The present invention is intended to solve such a problem, and a first object of the present invention is to provide an ink replenishing tool and a pen for keeping the ink of a pen always improved, and thus preventing characters from being scratched. Is to provide. A second object of the present invention is to provide an ink refill and pen for reducing the frequency of pen disposal. A third object of the present invention is to provide an ink replenishing tool and a pen that can easily replenish ink.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an ink replenishing device having a mechanism for ejecting the ink contained in an ink container through a nozzle, and the nozzle can be inserted to keep airtightness when the nozzle is not inserted. And a marking pen having an insertion opening to be held.

The ink container of the ink supply device of the present invention is made of metal,
It is formed of plastic, glass, ceramics or the like, but it is particularly preferable to use plastic in terms of cost, handleability, and the like. The ink container may be provided with an injection port capable of tightly plugging the ink. The ink contained in the ink container may be the same as the conventional one.

The insertion opening of the nozzle is closed when the nozzle is not inserted so as to prevent the ink in the ink container from evaporating. For example, it may have a structure that is opened by the nozzle when the nozzle is inserted.

Further, the insertion opening of the nozzle has a structure in which a cap with a screw can be attached. When the nozzle is inserted, this cap is removed, and after the nozzle is pulled out, the cap is closed again. Good.

The ink replenishing device of the present invention can be used alone, but a plurality of ink replenishing devices of the same or different colors may be put together to be used as an integrated type. Also, the inside of one ink container may be partitioned into a plurality of chambers to accommodate different colors of ink, and a pen insertion port may be provided for each. To prevent the pen for different color ink from being inserted,
It is desirable that the fitting portions of the pen and the insertion opening are different depending on the colors so that only the pen of the same color and the ink supply tool fit together.

The ink supply device of the present invention may be attached to a part of the board (for example, side surface, back side, front surface, lower end) by screwing, fitting, or integrally formed with the board by adhesion, welding or the like. You may. A box-shaped ink supply tool receiver may be provided on a part of the board. Further, the ink supply device may be fixed to the front surface of the board by a magnet. Other,
It can be attached in any suitable way.

The ink replenishing tool of the present invention has a side surface (front surface,
(Including the rear surface) may be made transparent so that the amount of remaining ink inside can be visually confirmed.

[0014]

When the ink supply to the pen becomes poor, a nozzle is inserted into the pen and ink is replenished from the ink replenishing tool through the nozzle, so that the pen is regenerated as if it were a new product. If the amount of ink to be injected into the pen is appropriately determined, one pen can be used as many as several tens to 200 or more conventional pens, so that waste can be almost eliminated. it can. Further, it is possible to easily supply ink from the ink supply tool to the pen in a short time.

[0015]

Specific Examples Specific examples of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a side sectional view of a specific example of the ink supply device 10 of the present invention (corresponding to claim 5). 2 in the figure
Is an ink container, 3 is a pen insertion port, 4 is an ink supply nozzle, 5 is a pump operating section, 6 is a pump, 7 is ink, 8 is a pump operating lever, 9 is a pipe for sucking up the ink 7,
Reference numeral 11 is a pipe for supplying the ink ejected from the pump 6 to the nozzle 4. Reference numeral 12 denotes a lid, to which is fixed a nozzle cap 13 made of a soft rubber for closing an ink ejection hole provided at the tip of the nozzle 4. When the lid is closed, the nozzle cap 13 contacts the tip of the nozzle 4 and closes the hole at the tip of the nozzle. An iron piece 14 is attached to the tip of the lid, and the magnet 1 fixed to the upper portion of the container 2 is attached.
It is designed to be adsorbed on 5.

The nozzle 4 may be a thin one such as an injection needle or a relatively thick one (usually an outer diameter of 2 mm) such as a nozzle for inflating a game ball. The outer diameter of the nozzle is preferably about 0.5 to 3 mm), more preferably 0.8 to 2 m.
m. It is desirable that the inner diameter of the nozzle is large in a range in which the mechanical strength of the nozzle is maintained, preferably about 0.2 to 2 mm), and more preferably 0.4 to 1.2 mm. It is dangerous for the tip of the nozzle to be as sharp as an injection needle, so it is desirable to make it round like the tip of a nozzle for inflating a game ball. The nozzle is preferably made of metal, and its surface must be smooth so that it can smoothly penetrate the seal portion of the pen described later.

The pump 6 has a structure similar to a pump attached to a shampoo for washing hair. The pump 6 is composed of a cylinder and a piston (not shown), and when the lever 8 is pushed downward with a finger, the piston is pushed downward and the ink in the cylinder is discharged toward the nozzle 4 through the pipe 11.
At this time, a valve (not shown) is closed so that ink does not flow toward the vipe 9, and a valve (not shown) opens so that ink goes toward the pipe 11. When the hand is released from the lever 8, the piston is pushed back upward by a spring (not shown). At this time, the ink does not flow back from the pipe 11 due to the action of the valve, and the ink is sucked up from the pipe 9 and accumulated in the cylinder.

Next, a method of using the specific example of FIG. 1 will be described.
The lid 12 is opened, and the pen whose ink has become poor is inserted into the pen insertion part with the seal part (the side opposite to the pen tip) facing down as shown in the figure. The pen insertion part also serves as a pen guide,
When the pen is inserted along the guide, the nozzle penetrates the seal part. When the pen is further inserted until it abuts, the tip of the nozzle reaches the ink absorber inside the pen. Next, when the operating lever 8 of the pump is pushed down until it strikes, the ink in the pump passes through the nozzle and is ejected to the ink absorber in the pen. The operation is completed by releasing the operation lever 8, pulling out the pen from the nozzle, and closing the lid 12.

FIG. 2 shows a side sectional view of one embodiment of the pen 1 of the present invention (corresponding to claim 6). In the figure, 21 is a pen container, 22
Is an ink absorber, 23 is a seal member, 24 is a notch provided in the central portion of the seal member, and 25, 26 and 27 are seal member holding portions having a U-shaped cross section at the rear end of the pen. Is a nozzle insertion port. The sealing member 23 is preferably a circular sheet and has a thickness of preferably about 0.5.
To about 3 mm) more preferably in the range of about 1 to about 2 mm, the diameter is preferably about 5 to about 30 mm, more preferably about 10 mm.
The range is from to about 20 mm, but is not limited to these numerical values. As a material, urethane rubber, nylon rubber, silicone rubber or other ink resistant rubber is used.

The seal member 23 is fixed in a hermetically-sealed state to a holding portion having a U-shaped cross section by an adhesive, heat welding, molding, screw pressing or the like. The cutout 24 is formed in a straight line shape, an arc shape, or the like at substantially the center of the seal member. The length of the notch is preferably about 1 to about 5 mm, more preferably about 2 to about 3 mm. When the outer diameter of the nozzle is large, it is better to have a longer cut. The cut may be tapered part way so that the nozzle can be easily inserted.

Next, the function of the pen shown in FIG. 2 will be described. When the nozzle is not inserted, the notch 24 of the sealing member is closed due to the elasticity of the sealing member and airtightness is maintained. When the nozzle is inserted, the notch is widened, the airtightness is broken and a gap is created between the nozzle and the notch, allowing the gas in the pen to flow out,
There is no problem because the ink is injected only for a short time.
When the nozzle is pulled out, the deformed portion of the notch returns to the original state due to the elastic force of the seal member, so that airtightness is maintained again.

FIG. 3 shows a side sectional view of another embodiment of the pen of the present invention (corresponding to claim 7). In the figure, 31 is a seal, 32
Is a closing member fixing portion, 34 is a closing member, 33 is a base portion of the closing member, and 36 is a nozzle insertion port. The closing member 34 is preferably made of metal or resin having elasticity, and metal is particularly desirable. It is desirable that the seal 31 is made of rubber, for example, and that its top portion is smooth like an O-ring and is in contact with the closing member in a ring shape. The base 33 of the closing member is adhered, heat welded, molded,
It is fixed to the fixed part by screws.

Next, the function of the pen shown in FIG. 3 will be described. When the nozzle is not inserted, the closing member 34 is pressed against the seal 31 by the elastic force of the closing member 34 to maintain airtightness. When the nozzle is inserted, the nozzle opposes the elastic force of the closing member and pushes up the closing member to the position of 35, and the tip of the nozzle reaches the inside of the ink absorber 22. When ink is ejected from the nozzle tip in this state, the ink is supplied into the ink absorber.

FIG. 4 is a side sectional view of another embodiment of the pen of the present invention (corresponding to claim 8). In the figure, reference numeral 40 denotes a sealing lid, which is usually provided with a screw portion 41. Reference numeral 42 is a nozzle insertion portion provided at the end of the pen container and is adapted to be fitted with the screw 41. 43 is a seal member. A seal 43 (a soft member such as rubber or sponge) when the lid 40 is closed.
Keeps airtightness. After removing the sealing lid 40 and inserting the nozzle into the ink absorber 22 to supply ink, the lid is closed.

FIG. 5 shows a side sectional view of another embodiment of the ink supply device of the present invention. This example is a modification of the specific example of FIG. 1 and is characterized in that ink is supplied to the pen in conjunction with the operation of inserting the pen into the supply tool. In the figure, those having the same numbers as those in FIG. 1 have the same or the same functions as those in FIG. The nozzle 4 is fixed to the middle bottom 50 of the operation unit 5. The top portion 51 of the lever 8 is located below the tip of the nozzle.

The ink supply device of FIG. 5 operates as follows. When the pen 1 is inserted into the insertion portion, the nozzle first penetrates the seal member of the pen, and the tip of the nozzle reaches the inside of the pen. When the pen is further pushed down, the pen comes into contact with the top of the lever 8 and pushes down the lever. As a result, the ink in the pump 6 is ejected, supplied to the nozzle through the pipe 11, and further supplied into the pen. When the pen is removed from the replenishing tool, the lever 8 is pushed upward by the spring in the pump, ink is sucked into the pump through the pipe 9, and the next replenishing operation becomes possible. In FIG. 5, a lid similar to the lid 12 of FIG. 1 is omitted.

FIG. 6 shows a side sectional view of another embodiment of the ink supply device of the present invention. In the example of FIGS. 1 and 5, when the pen having the seal portion shown in FIG. 2 and having no ink absorber inside is used, ink leaks from the seal portion during ink supply. Therefore, in the example of FIG. 6, the pen tip faces downward, and there is no risk of ink leakage unless the ink in the pen overflows. If at least a part of the pen container is made transparent, the ink volume in the pen can be visually recognized, so that the ink can be injected without overflowing.

In the figure, 60 is a transparent pen container, 65 is a cap, 66 is a seal part similar to that of FIG. 2, 62 is a pen insertion part of an ink replenishing tool, and 64 is a lower receiving part of the pen and is supported by a spring 63. ing. When the pen cap 65 is applied to the lower receiving portion 64 and strongly pressed downward against the spring 63, the pen is inserted into the insertion portion 62. When the pressing is released, the pen is pushed upward, and the nozzle 4 is attached to the sealing portion 66. Is inserted. The seal portion 66 is adapted to fit into the upper receiving portion 61 of the pen. When the lever 8 of the pump 6 is pushed in this state, a fixed amount of ink is supplied into the pen. If it is insufficient at one time, it is sufficient to perform the operation several times and stop before the ink overflows. A nozzle cap is used to prevent ink drying at the tip of the nozzle, but it is omitted in the figure.

According to the present invention, ink can be replenished simply by inserting and pulling out the pen whose ink has become poor in the ink replenishing tool or by one-touch lever operation after insertion. The ink comes out well, you can write clear characters, and you can get a clear copy. It is also environmentally desirable as it produces almost no pen waste.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a side sectional view of a specific example of an ink supply device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side sectional view of the bottom of an embodiment of a marking pen according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a side sectional view of a bottom portion of another specific example of the marking pen.

FIG. 4 is a side sectional view of a bottom portion of another specific example of the marking pen.

FIG. 5 is a side sectional view showing another embodiment of the ink supply device according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a side sectional view of another specific example of the ink supply tool.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 …… Pen 2 …… Ink container 3 …… Pen insertion port 4 …… Nozzle 5 …… Pump operating part 6 …… Pump 7 …… Ink 8 …… Pump operating lever 9 …… Ink suction pipe 10 …… Ink supply Tool 11 ... Ink supply pipe 12 ... Lid 13 ... Nozzle cap 22 ... Ink absorber 31, 43 ... Seal 34 ... Closing member 40 ... Seal lid 41 ... Screw part 50 ... Ink container middle bottom 51 ... Operation lever top 60 ... Pen transparent container 61 ... Pen top receiving part 62 ... Pen insertion part 63 ... Spring 64 ... Pen bottom receiving part 65 ... Pen cap 66 ... Pen seal part

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A sealable container for containing ink, a structure for introducing a certain amount of ink in the container into a small chamber in the container, and a structure for ejecting the ink introduced into the small chamber through a nozzle to the outside of the container. And (2) a marking pen having an insertion port into which the nozzle can be inserted and which maintains airtightness when the nozzle is not inserted. . 2. The structure for introducing the ink into the small chamber inside the container is a mechanism for sucking the ink inside the container into the small chamber, and the structure capable of discharging the ink introduced into the small chamber toward the outside of the container,
The ink supply tool and the marking pen according to claim 1, which is a pump mechanism that discharges the sucked ink toward the outside of the container. 3. The pump mechanism is operated by the operation of inserting the nozzle into the marking pen.
The ink replenishing tool and the marking pen according to [4]. 4. The ink replenishing tool and the marking pen according to claim 1, wherein the nozzle insertion portion is a notch formed in soft elastic resin or rubber. 5. The ink supply tool and the marking pen according to claim 4, wherein at least a part of the pen is a transparent container so that the amount of ink in the pen can be visually observed. 6. The ink replenishing tool and the marking pen according to claim 1, wherein the nozzle insertion portion comprises a nozzle through hole and a mechanism for closing the hole from the inside. 7. The ink replenishing tool and the marking pen according to claim 1, wherein the insertion port is a lid that maintains airtightness.